Racism, dead penguins and retaliation: Why the Vilas Zoo in Madison lost its only Black zookeepers
LUCAS ROBINSON
Updated
Visitors to the Vilas Zoo watch a pair of harbor seals from an underwater viewing window. The zoo, one of the last free wildlife exhibitors in the country, has long been a popular fixture in Madison. But some zookeepers have alleged a pattern of racism, discrimination and animal neglect.
The resignations this year of the only Black zookeepers at Vilas Zoo have led to a review of the workplace environment at various Dane County departments after the departing zookeepers accused management of racism, neglecting animal welfare, unequal discipline and retaliation.
The carousel building in the children’s zoo portion of the Vilas Zoo in Madison. Four complaints have been filed with the county's Office for Equity and Inclusion regarding the zoo during the past five years. In all cases, investigators determined the complaints were unfounded.
Visitors to the Vilas Zoo watch a pair of harbor seals from an underwater viewing window. The zoo, one of the last free wildlife exhibitors in the country, has long been a popular fixture in Madison. But some zookeepers have alleged a pattern of racism, discrimination and animal neglect.
The carousel building in the children’s zoo portion of the Vilas Zoo in Madison. Four complaints have been filed with the county's Office for Equity and Inclusion regarding the zoo during the past five years. In all cases, investigators determined the complaints were unfounded.
